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It was a late-arriving crowd at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, but fans from the University of Colorado and Colorado State showed out in full force Friday night for the Rocky Mountain Showdown.

A total of 73,932 tickets were sold, and by halftime, more than 65,000 had been scanned. That number was expected to rise, though, as a 6 p.m. weekday kickoff delayed attendance for many just leaving work. A final count was not immediately available.

The Showdown had cracked 70,000 in attendance just five previous times in the game’s history:聽2003 (76,219), 2002 (75,531), 2001 (75,022), 1999 (73,438) and 1998 (76,036).

Buffaloes strike first.

CU began its second offensive possession at its own 6-yard line, but reached consecutive first downs on Shay Fields receptions, plus an additional 15-yard penalty against CSU defensive end Jakob Buys for roughing the passer. The Buffaloes took full advantage four plays later when running back Phillip Lindsay ran 45 yards, almost untouched, for a score. It marked the longest first touchdown to open a CU season in program history.

Lindsay finished the game with 19 carries for 140 yards.

Backyard ball.

Early in the second quarter and facing second-and-10 from the CSU 31-yard line, CU quarterback Steven Montez scrambled on a broken play before settling outside the pocket toward the near sideline. Streaking to the opposite corner of the end zone was receiver Shay Fields, who caught a Montez deep ball in stride to score. With the addition a 39-yard field goal in the first quarter, the Buffaloes led 17-0.

Montez was plenty effective through two quarters, completing 12-of-16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown. He finished the game 12-of-29 for 202 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions.

Rams can鈥檛 capitalize.

CSU cornerback Kevin Nutt wrestled the ball away from CU receiver Devin Ross midway through the first quarter with a turnover that gave the Rams possession at the Buffaloes鈥� 47-yard line. CSU didn鈥檛 make them pay. The Rams went for it on fourth-and-2 at the 39, but their pass attempt fell incomplete.

CSU was again in CU territory with less than a minute left in the half, but quarterback Nick Stevens took consecutive sacks as time expired. The Rams’ only points came on a Wyatt Bryan 31-yard field goal.

Gallup held in check early.

CSU receiver Michael Gallup entered Friday鈥檚 matchup with at least 100 receiving yards in six straight games 鈥� a streak that came to an end Friday. Gallup caught five passes for 67 yards. The senior was blanketed much of the game by CU cornerback Isaiah Oliver. One deep catch by Gallup was negated by an offensive pass interference call.